21.6 Semantic & Analytical Architecture
The semantic layer is where technical data becomes reusable business meaning.
Semantic chain
Source attributes -> harmonized entities -> facts/dimensions -> measures -> analytic model -> consumer
Semantic contract
A shared metric should define:
- business definition
- calculation
- grain
- filters
- currency/unit behavior
- time behavior
- owner
- quality expectations
Avoid metric fragmentation
If Sales, Finance and SAC each implement their own definition of revenue, the platform has three metrics even if all are named Revenue.
Analytical model design
Keep consumption models focused. Expose only the fields, measures and semantics required by the consumer contract.
SAC architecture
A common pattern is:
Datasphere semantic/analytic model -> SAC live consumption
where the governed model remains the semantic authority.
Architect rule
Optimize the semantic model for stable business meaning; optimize consumer models for a specific analytical experience.